The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1887-07-20

graders who are building another great
line through it into our territory We
have with us tonight the general traffic
manager Of the Manitoba as we'll as the
representatives Of the Northern Pacific
and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, which
ing on the outside The coming of the
| Manitoba promises wonderful results We
hope, also, to soon welcome the
other roads. There was never a more in
the eve Of our prosperity, which is draw
ing upon us. He was gratified to be able
to say that between the wool growers and
other stocknen of Montana there are no
as it should be, for when one industry
fiourishes it is good for all. Fort Benton
has always treated the wool growers we'll
He says this not as citizen Of the town,
but as wool grower. The river makes
Benton the wool shipping point and the
railroad will only add to her importance
in this regard.
The colonels remarks, which were very
| interesting, were more extended, and We
regret that lack Of space forbids giving a
more extended synopsis Of his, as we'll as
all the other speeches of the evening.
The next toast was "Our Guests, The
Montana Wool Growers Association" !"
responded to by President J. E. Bower
He was very certain that the Wool Grow
ers' Association has proven of great bene
fit to its members and the industry at
| large A great portion Of the credit is due
to the secretary of this association, the
editor of the Montana Wool Grower, Mr.
L. w. Peck. Applause. That journal is
circulated in every state and territory,
and it is impossible to measure or fully
estimate it's influence We notice that it's
articles are quoted in all the leading jour
nails of the country, and most favorably
commented. By means of this journal our
association and our productions are favor
ably introduced to the consideration of
dealers, buyers and manufacturers every
where, and too much credit cannot be ac-
| corded it and it's able editor Benton is
the center of the wool business, made so
by the wool growers, who fully appreciate
her favored position at the head of naviga
tion on a great river. That we and our
business are of some Importance is shown
| by the fact that the leading journals Of
the territory have their representatives
here to report our proceedings Besides,
we have with us the representatives Of
three leading railroad lines which seem to
be much interested in noting the growth
of our industry and securing our ship
ments. President Bowers remarks were
extended further to matters touching the
wool industry, and the association over
which he is elected to preside, were listen
ed to with marked attention and elected
frequent applause.
| The next toast proposed was the "Wool
Industry of Montana" In offering this
toast Mr.. Collins dwelt eloquently upon
the wool industry of Montana in general
and Northern Montana in particular and
predicted a glorious future for the busi-
ness under the industrious and careful
management of our fiock-masters. Mr.. l..
w. Peck, editor of the Wool Grower and
secretary of the association, was called
upon for a response. Mr.. Peck opened by
stating that he would conine his remarks
principally to the business of the country
tributary to Benton, or what is known as
Northern Montana, and would simply state
a few facts. From this section, after
hard winter, there would be marketed the
feeces of 100000 sheep, aggregating 2,225,
600 pounds. There will also be turned out
10000 wethers for shipment and sale, as
we'll as 100000 pounds of pelts which lat
ter represent the serious loss Of the past
severe winter, the worst ever known in
Montana. Upon the opening Of the Milk
River reservation the territory tributary
to Benton will be doubled, and 100000
pounds of wool and $4,000 Wethers will
be shipped from this point. He consider
ed that this would be fair estimate of
the capacity of the ranges in this immedi
ate section for some years to come.
At this point, and incidental to all toasts
which followed, glee club, that had been
hastily organized from the guests, and
which was composed of exceptionally fine
cultured voices, rendered beautiful song,
which was encored again and again.
The next toast, "Our Territory was
responded to by Mr.. T. W Flint, president
of the Sun River association, in most
pleasing and eloquent little speech which
proved that the gentleman was no novice
at efforts of this character.
Mr. Collins, in offering the toast, 1.-The
City of Fort Benton" paid very pretty
tribute to the city and its enterprisng
men, and feelingly remarked that
he would always take pride IN the thought